So, what music are you listening to now? - Page 971

finnbow · #**9701** 09-06-2023, 09:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ike Bana

Kingston Mines is still in business, still owned by the Pellegrino family, the boss is now Lisa Pellegrino, daughter of Doc Pellegrino who opened it on Lincoln Ave. back in 1968. Initially as a small live theater and dinner venue, but the format was changed in the early 70's to music, mostly blues music, and drinks only. It moved a few blocks away, over on Halsted Street in 1982. And has been operating as a blues venue and restaurant ever since.

Yep, it was the Halsted St. location from about 1990 until 2010 that I visited. What was interesting about the venue is that it had 2 stages in 2 different rooms such that there was hardly a break between bands - you just moved to the next room. We used to stay late until very late (sometimes ~4 am) and stagger in to our meeting or conference the next morning still buzzed and bleary.

Ike Bana · #**9702** 09-06-2023, 11:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by finnbow

Yep, it was the Halsted St. location from about 1990 until 2010 that I visited. What was interesting about the venue is that it had 2 stages in 2 different rooms such that there was hardly a break between bands - you just moved to the next room. We used to stay late until very late (sometimes ~4 am) and stagger in to our meeting or conference the next morning still buzzed and bleary.

One of the things that was most comforting at the old Kingston Mines (I expect its probably the same on Halsted Street) is that it was a racist free zone. The crowd was mixed, most of the bands were mixed, we were still stuck in Vietnam and pissed off about it...it felt like a pretty safe place. In fact, all the time we spent there, in a dive bar, I don't remember a single fight.